WITH the play-off teams decided understandably some of the top teams slackened the ropes a little in Round 15 of New Zealand's Bartercard Cup competition. The top three teams now sit equal on 24 points apiece.

SYDNEY Roosters prop Todd Payten will find himself in the unique situation of being paid by three National Rugby League clubs when he plays for Wests Tigers from next year. The Tigers have announced Payten has agreed to terms with the joint venture club for the next two years.

MELBOURNE Storm five-eighth Scott Hill may make a return for this sunday's clash against Parramatta. He was last night waiting for a final medical clearance but there are fair indications that he has finally overcome the shoulder injury that he has had problems with for most of this season.

IN a big weekend of footy, Brisbane's woes continued at Suncorp, going down to the Mighty Panthers. The huge crowd looked on in amazement when, with ten minutes to go and eight points down, the once powerful Broncos outfit went for penalty goal against a tiring Panthers' defence. Apparently looking for an outside chance of extra time, the Broncos' hopes were dashed when Craig Gower slotted a decisive field goal in the dying minutes.